William H. Groves Memorial Award

In memory of Dr. William H. Groves for his lifetime commitment to education and his years of dedicated service to Eastern Illinois University. In his early years at EIU, he was an assistant football coach with Pat O’Brien, as well as Eastern’s first gymnastic coach and first swimming coach. He organized Charleston’s first swim team for ages 5-18. It was called the Charleston Swim Club, and it continues to be an active organization for competitive swimmers. Dr. Groves was a professor of kinesiology and the coordinator of the Graduate School in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He was also a member of the planning committee for the construction of the Lantz Building. As President of the Illinois Association for Health, Education, and Recreation and as an author of numerous publications, he was a well-known lecturer throughout the United States.